Overview & Reviews

Cars tend to last about five to six years between redesigns. Occasionally, a company will squeeze out another year, but anything longer is an anomaly. Well, the original Saab 9-5 lasted 11 years, which in human terms is like kicking off at the ripe old age of 178.

Now, our editors initially thought pretty highly of the Saab 9-5, but then they were also pondering "Who Let the Dogs Out?" and chuckling at Monica Lewinsky jokes. As the years went on, the 9-5 sank to the bottom of the midsize luxury sedan pack and eventually nearly disappeared from our attention altogether.

Well, Saab has finally turned a page and there is a new 9-5. Designed when Saab was still owned by General Motors and based on the same platform as the Buick Regal, the 9-5 certainly doesn't have the engineering panache of its German competition. However, it's cheaper than those competitors, it's fun to drive and boasts unique style inside and out. We wouldn't call it class-leading by any means, but it's definitely a worthy alternative in that midsize luxury sedan pack.

Current Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 is a midsize luxury sedan available in Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero trim levels. The Turbo4 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional. This is certainly a modestly powered engine for the midsize luxury class, and we wonder if shoppers will scoff at a four-cylinder in such a pricey car, but its fuel economy is at least strong -- especially with the manual.

There is another turbocharged engine, however, a 2.8-liter V6 that sends 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic. This results in a solid average performance for an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, while returning competitive fuel economy. With the Aero trim, a sport-tuned suspension, communicative steering, a limited-slip differential and the advanced all-wheel-drive system combine to produce one of the most rewarding and involving driver's cars in the class -- even more so than the BMW 5 Series.

Even the base 9-5 comes standard with features that can be optional on competitor sedans, like driver memory functions, leather upholstery and an iPod interface. Going up through the trims can net you items like a panoramic sunroof, a lane-departure warning system, tri-zone climate control, a navigation system and a rear seat entertainment system.

All of this stuff comes together in a cabin that'll be easily identified as a Saab. The center control stack wraps toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach. Other Saab hallmarks include the egg-crate air outlets, the Night Panel switch that dims instrument lights at a single touch and (of course) the ignition switch, though this is now a keyless button. However, many climate and electronics interfaces have been lifted wholesale from General Motors, even if the layout and green backlighting is unique to Saab. These bits are actually quite nice, but like the rest of the interior, just aren't up to Audi or Mercedes standards.

Used Saab 9-5 Models
The current Saab 9-5 dates back to 2010; however, very few were sold that year and it was only offered in loaded, Aero guise. The rest of the lineup arrived for 2011.

The original Saab 9-5 sedan was produced from 1999-2009 and went through several changes over its lifetime -- especially in regards to engines. The 9-5 retained much of its Saab 9000 predecessor's distinctive lines, but replaced the 9000's five-door hatchback design with a more traditional four-door sedan arrangement. The wagon variant followed a year later.

Since this 9-5 lasted so incredibly long, how well it stacks up to the competition depends on how far you go back. Things like equipment levels, interior quality and engineering sophistication will seem relatively stronger when comparing an older 9-5 to an equally aged BMW or Lexus. Regardless of year, however, most drivers will find this Saab 9-5's seats exceptionally comfortable, especially those equipped with optional heating and ventilation. Passenger room was also excellent all around. A split-folding rear seat and nearly 16 cubic feet of trunk space gave it an added level of versatility, while the SportCombi wagon supplied up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space for those with lots to carry.

In the beginning, the 9-5's lineup consisted of a base 9-5 model, an SE version packed with amenities and a performance-oriented Aero model. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Saab 9-5 base models produced 185 hp (170 hp for '99) and was mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 9-5 Aero versions featured a 230-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four with a manual transmission. Initially, the 9-5 SE could be powered by either the light-pressure 2.3-liter (170 hp) or a 200-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6, but starting with the 2000 model year, all SEs had the V6 and the four-speed automatic.

Although it looked similar, the 2002 9-5 underwent extensive reworking. Three distinct models (Linear, Arc and Aero) now had their own style and equipment specs: The previous year's base model became the Linear and offered the 185-hp turbo four, while the SE became the luxury-oriented Arc and had the turbo V6. In addition, a new five-speed automatic was available across the line, and the 9-5 Aero's turbocharged four-cylinder got a power boost to 250 hp. Revisions to steering and suspension helped dynamic performance, while electronic stability control and adaptive front airbags further improved safety. From a used-vehicle purchasing standpoint, going with a 2002 or newer Saab 9-5 is probably a good idea.

Detail changes carried through to 2004, when feature content was shuffled. The Linear model was made a wagon-only trim level and the Arc model dropped its 200-hp V6 in favor of a 220-hp turbo-4. A year later, DVD-based navigation was added to the options list. For '06, the 9-5 received updated exterior styling and a revised suspension, and the high-output 2.3-liter turbo-4 became standard, along with bumping its power up to 260 hp. Additionally, the wagon was renamed the SportCombi, and the familiar Linear, Arc and Aero trim levels went away in favor of a single trim. The Aero and its sport-oriented bits and pieces technically became a package for two years, before resuming its duties as a full-fledged trim alongside the newly christened 2.3T base model.

User Reviews:

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  Bring back the hatchback!!!! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By turkeyrun - February 1 - 8:53 pm

  This is my fourth Saab. Will buy another. Minor problems are constantly buying lightbulbs. Major problem in this car was a starter. But love the "old look." That was a classic style.

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  Love My Saab - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Erica Blum - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Saab that I have owned. I love to drive it and I love the way it handles.

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  Black Turbo Powered Beauty - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By chiroprincess - January 1 - 9:16 pm

  This car is FAST for a wagon and SAFE. Its a very sturdy, solid car being quite able to zip up a steep hill without a problem. I also love the design. Several times strangers on the street have commented to me how good looking this car is! Im also impressed how roomy the back is. I can get my large bike right in w/ the back seats down. I also like the low profile of the rear floor easy to get things (including our dog) in & out. I have had some oil leak problems and several hoses that have gone bad in the past few years, but considering it is now 8 yrs old not too bad in repair terms. I just test drove a 04 Volvo wagon and I have to say that I still like my Saab way more!

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  Best car for the money! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Paul Hughes - January 1 - 2:00 am

  The Aero wagon could be the most balanced car on the market, if you look at price, performance, comfort, fuel economy and cargo space. The car is has no torque steer like my old Viggen did. The automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, and for a wagon, it corners with minimal body lean. Vented and heated seats are fantastic, and the auto dimming interior and outside mirrors should become the de facto standard on all cars. The Harmon Kardon stereo sounds incredible. This is my second Saab and I still remain a convert to this unique and wonderful car!

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  Awful build - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By pkelly944 - December 28 - 11:10 pm

  The car has its upsides: good performance out at the 2.3 w/ the turbo. Brakes well. On the downside: With 80,500 miles, head gasket, oil change never missed. Always has blown blue smoke occasionally, interior electronics fail, headlights burn out monthly. Horrible wiring system. All small things break. Air bag light on for no reason. Has had two tune up under warranty with no resolve for the smoke. Power steering lines replaced. Never would recommend.

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  Was nice until Saab went bankrupt - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By labluebabe - December 26 - 2:49 pm

  40k MSRP new, its lost $27k trade in value in 4 years. Thanks for going bankrupt SAAB, now our car is near worthless and were upside down on the loan! There are no replacement parts, there are no authorized service dealerships in the USA anymore, and theres nobody who is willing to buy this car off us at a reasonable price (because its unreasonable to want a car that you wont be able to fix when something breaks). It drove fine, has quite a few features but its become an antique in just 4 years. All the new cars out now have nice touchscreens and bluetooth and backup cameras.

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  Lots of FUN - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By oxie1 - December 10 - 6:16 pm

  I owned the car for 6 months and had to put about $500 a month in it, but no major problems just maintenance. I would recommend. Drove from ATL to Taladega @ an average of 130MPH and was just as smooth.

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  Our 5th Saab - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By sunbeam - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our fifth Saab, a 9-5 linear 2.3t. As usual, we were not disappointed. Saabs are great fun to drive, especially in a manual trans. and this one is no exception.Great comfort, cockpit, fuel economy, and value. We chose this over the BMW 525, the Jaguar X-type, Audi A6. Glad we stuck with Saab.

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  dream car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By loop - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Handles well, is comfortable, and I feel sage with my family.

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  Fast, spacious, classy - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By Adrian - December 2 - 4:56 pm

  After driving several fleet Saab 9-5s in Norway, we bought one when moving to Canada. Its roomy, has great pace on the highway and (from the Norway experience) good dynamics on hard pack snow, despite not being 4WD. Comes with lots of great gadgets (for the price) which fortunately do not lead to a profusion of switches and clutter. Only gripe is the easily marked interior plastic surfaces.